SHARE

No more excuses. Now that the kids are back in school, this mama needs to get her booty back to the gym. Good to see you, old frenemy — it’s been a while. Of course, with a jam-packed day that includes drop-off, errands, work, meetings and, oh yeah, pickup (is it 3 p.m. already?), I don’t have hours to while away at the sauna or in the steam room. I have to time my fitness routine to a T. Forty minutes of cardio, five minutes of primping and I’m out the door and on my way to the next scheduled activity. But don’t worry: I never hit the carpool line or conference room looking anything less than polished or smelling anything other than peachy. Thanks to the veritable beauty counter in my gym bag, I’m ready to go from the elliptical to the elementary school in no time — and you can too! From face-cleaning wipes to streamlined, on-the-go makeup must-haves, these essentials will have you looking and feeling fresh in five minutes flat.

Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes

These cucumber-infused face-cleaning wipes remove sweat, dirt and makeup without the need for water. With a simple swoosh and swipe, they cleanse, exfoliate and freshen your complexion. Plus, they smell like a trip to the spa — because who actually has time to lounge around with cucumbers on their eyes?

Caudalie Grape Water

Sure, you look and feel wet after an intense workout. But when you sweat, your body is literally losing water, which is why you need to drink and soak up all the H2O you can. After you’ve used your handy face-cleaning wipes, replenish that thirsty complexion with Caudalie Grape Water. With magical water-retaining powers, it intensely hydrates skin and instantly calms redness and sensitivity. Soothe your angry post-SoulCycle skin in seconds — because your body may be on fire, but your face doesn’t have to be.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo Mini

Your quest for the best dry shampoo ends here. This mini travel bottle needs to be with you at all times. It doesn’t just mask dirty hair — it actually cleans it. Exercise means sweat, and this amazing product absorbs and removes oil, perspiration and odor with a simple spritz. Plus, it smells like a dream and gives you a quick volume bump without the telltale powder residue some dry shampoos leave behind.

First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Triple Protection Skin Tint

Say hello to the skin tint of your dreams. This powerful product gives your natural beauty a boost. After an intense workout, the last thing I want to do is layer on heavy makeup, so I love that this nifty skin tint gives me a naturally flawless face with subtle, buildable coverage. This five-minute makeup must-have is less about masking and more about enhancing.

Yuni Shower Sheets Large Body Wipes

Sometimes an actual locker-room shower can’t happen. Who has the time, want or will to undress, dry off and redress — in public? Avoid those nasty public-shower germs altogether with these super-soft oversize body wipes. They’re pre-moistened to cleanse, refresh and naturally deodorize your body from head to toe. Made with refreshing peppermint and energizing citrus, these babies are as invigorating as they are effective.

DermaDoctor Med E Tate Antiperspirant Wipes

B.O. is not an option when you have places to go and people to see. Thankfully, these revolutionary (yes, revolutionary) topical wipes mimic the anti-sweating properties of Botox — minus the needle. With the highest potency of antiperspirant, you’ll be dry as a desert and fresh as a daisy faster than you can say, “No B.O.-tox.”

Rosebud Salve

One coat of mascara and a little lip balm and you’re out the door. There’s a reason Rosebud Salve is a tried-and-true cult classic. It heals, hydrates and adds glow to dry lips, cracked skin and minor irritations and burns. You can even use it on diaper rash — something we certainly hope you’re not dealing with at the gym.

Try These Related Links

Lauren is a digital editor, freelance writer, and Instagram aficionado with a feisty five-year-old boy and a sassy two-year-old diva at home. With a passion for family, travel, style, and alliteration, she spends her days chasing children, chugging coffee, and daydreaming about sleep. As a veteran lifestyle editor and media mom, Lauren loves to find ways to make the aspirational attainable for all the overwhelmed parents out there—because we really need to stick together! Lauren lives with her husband and kiddos in the suburbs of New York City.